Under different names in different eras, always the heart of Horsham
Theatre
It’s shut for the moment, but it’s always looking to the future. Horsham’s Capitol is already eyeing up happier times, with plans to celebrate its 85th birthday in June. And they want your help. The Capitol team is appealing for people to come forward with their memories of the venue down the decades. To help them, they are looking for theatre-goers past and present to get in touch with their memories of visiting the multi-arts venue. Anyone with a tale or two should get in touch with the Capitol’s marketing officer Tracey Grubb. Do you have a connection to The Capitol? When was your first visit? Have you performed there? Perhaps you’re a former employee or is there a film or show which holds a special place in your heart? Email Tracey on tracey.grubb@ horsham.gov.uk. The Capitol in Horsham first opened as a cinema called The Ritz in June 1936. The cinema was re-named The ABC in 1967 and following a conversion to provide a theatre and cinema, Horsham Arts Centre opened its doors in December 1984. After 20 years, the venue underwent an extensive refurbishment which was completed in time for re-opening as The Capitol (named in homage to the old Capitol Theatre) in September 2003 and then officially re-opened by Queen Elizabeth II a month later. Since then it has been a popular community arts venue welcoming local schools, theatre groups, businesses, big names and audience members from far and wide.